Ohio Judge Rules High School Athletes Can Profit from Name, Image, and Likeness Rights: Legal Precedent Set for Student Athletes

news: An Ohio judge issued a temporary restraining order allowing high school athletes to profit from their Name, Image and Likeness (NIL).">

Ohio High School Athletes Gain NIL Rights following Landmark Court ruling

October 20, 2025, 07:48 PM ET

Cleveland, Ohio – A Franklin County Common Pleas Court Judge has issued a temporary restraining order that could dramatically alter the landscape of amateur athletics in the state. The ruling, handed down on Monday, potentially permits all students within the 818 schools affiliated with the Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA) to capitalize on their Name, Image and Likeness (NIL).

The Lawsuit and its Origins

The legal challenge was initiated by Jasmine Brown, the mother of Jamier brown, a standout junior wide receiver at Wayne High School in Huber Heights, Ohio. Jamier Brown has already committed to play college football at Ohio State University. The lawsuit, filed on October 15th, argues that the current restrictions on NIL deals for high school athletes in Ohio are detrimental to their financial opportunities.

According to filings, Jamier Brown has already lost out on over $100,000 in potential earnings due to the existing prohibition on NIL agreements. This case highlights the growing pressure to align high school athletics with the increasingly prevalent NIL policies in collegiate sports.

A Shifting Landscape for College Athletes

The ruling arrives as more states reconsider their policies regarding student-athlete compensation. Ohio finds itself among a diminishing number of states – currently including Alabama, Indiana, Michigan, Mississippi, and Wyoming – that maintain restrictions on high school athletes benefiting from their NIL. A total of 44 states have already adopted regulations permitting such arrangements.

“This is a significant ruling not only for Jamier but high school athletes across the state of Ohio,” stated Luke Fedlam, attorney for the Brown family, of the Amundsen Davis law firm. “There are 44 states that allow high school athletes to enjoy that benefit through NIL.”

OHSAA’s Response and Future Plans

The OHSAA had previously rejected an NIL proposal in a decisive vote back in 2022,with 538 votes against and 254 votes in favor. however, the association’s board of Directors recently approved language for a new NIL proposal slated for consideration in May.Monday’s court order is expected to expedite this process.

Tim Stried, an OHSAA spokesperson, confirmed the association anticipated the judge’s initial ruling and is currently finalizing communications to member schools.Further details are expected to be released on Tuesday. The next hearing regarding a preliminary injunction is scheduled for December 15th.

Fedlam emphasized the distinctions between NIL regulations at the high school and college levels. “It’s significant for folks to understand high school NIL is different from college NIL,” he explained. “There are guardrails that have been in place that protect the integrity of sport and competition. In college we have seen collectives for NIL to recruit and retain. That does not exist at the high school level.”

State	NIL for High School athletes
Ohio	Restricted (pending court decision)
Alabama	Restricted
Indiana	Restricted
Michigan	Restricted
Mississippi	restricted
Wyoming	Restricted

Did You Know? According to a recent report by Altius Sports Partners, the total NIL valuation of college athletes exceeded $1.7 billion in the 2023-24 academic year.

Understanding Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL)

Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) refers to the ability of amateur athletes to earn compensation for the use of their personal brand. This can include endorsements, appearances, social media promotions, and other commercial activities. the rise of NIL opportunities has largely been driven by changes in NCAA regulations and state laws, creating a new paradigm in college and, now potentially, high school sports.

Frequently Asked questions about NIL in Ohio

• What does the court ruling mean for Ohio high school athletes? It potentially allows them to profit from their name, image, and likeness through endorsements and other opportunities.
• Which states currently restrict NIL deals for high school athletes? as of October 2025, Ohio, Alabama, Indiana, Michigan, mississippi, and Wyoming have restrictions in place.
• How is high school NIL different from college NIL? High school NIL regulations typically have stricter guardrails and prohibit the involvement of collectives designed to recruit and retain athletes.
• What is the OHSAA’s next step regarding NIL? The OHSAA will communicate further details to member schools on Tuesday and is preparing for a preliminary injunction hearing on December 15th.
• Could this ruling impact college recruitment in Ohio? Potentially, as it may incentivize top athletes to remain in the state knowing they can benefit from NIL opportunities.

What are your thoughts on this groundbreaking decision? Share your comments below and let us know how you think this will impact Ohio high school sports!

How might this ohio ruling influence similar legal challenges in other states regarding high school NIL rights?

The Landmark Ruling: NIL Rights for Ohio High Schoolers

On October 20, 2025, an Ohio judge delivered a groundbreaking decision, ruling that high school athletes in the state can legally profit from their Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) rights.This ruling marks a significant shift in the landscape of student-athlete compensation and sets a potential legal precedent for other states considering similar legislation. The case centered around challenges to Ohio’s initial restrictions on NIL deals for high school athletes,arguing they violated the athletes’ right to publicity and equal protection under the law.

This decision directly impacts thousands of Ohio’s high school athletes, opening doors to potential earnings through endorsements, sponsorships, social media marketing, and other avenues leveraging their personal brand. It’s a watershed moment for high school sports and the evolving concept of athlete rights.

Understanding Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL)

NIL rights refer to an individual’s ability to control and profit from the commercial use of their identity. This includes their name, photograph, likeness, voice, and any other identifying characteristics. Previously,NCAA rules and,by extension,many state high school athletic associations,prohibited student-athletes from capitalizing on these rights.

The shift began with the NCAA’s interim NIL policy in 2021, allowing college athletes to benefit from NIL. This ruling in Ohio extends those rights down to the high school level, acknowledging that student-athletes, like all individuals, should have the autonomy to control their own publicity and potential earnings. Key terms related to this include endorsement deals, sponsorship opportunities, and personal branding for athletes.

Key Details of the Ohio Ruling

The judge’s decision effectively strikes down portions of Ohio’s existing NIL law (HB 264), specifically those provisions that imposed significant restrictions on high school athlete NIL activities. Here’s a breakdown of the key takeaways:

* Removal of Restrictions: The ruling eliminates requirements for athletes to disclose NIL deals to their schools and prohibits schools from preventing athletes from entering into such agreements.

* No School Involvement: Schools and athletic associations are largely removed from the process of approving or regulating NIL deals.

* Focus on Fair Market Value: While the ruling doesn’t explicitly define “fair market value,” it implies that NIL deals should be commensurate with the athlete’s marketability and influence.

* Continued Scrutiny of Boosters: The ruling doesn’t address the role of boosters (wealthy donors or supporters) in facilitating NIL deals, leaving open the possibility of future regulations in this area.

Implications for Student Athletes and Schools

This ruling has far-reaching implications for both high school athletes and the schools they represent.

For Athletes:

* earning Potential: Athletes with significant social media followings, athletic achievements, or local recognition can now potentially earn income from their NIL.

* Financial Literacy: The need for financial education for young athletes is paramount. Understanding contracts, taxes, and responsible money management will be crucial.

* brand Management: Athletes will need to actively manage their personal brand and reputation to attract and maintain NIL opportunities.

For schools:

* Level Playing field Concerns: Some schools worry that athletes at wealthier schools with more resources may have an unfair advantage in securing NIL deals.

* Recruiting Implications: NIL opportunities could become a factor in athlete recruitment,potentially exacerbating existing competitive imbalances.

* Compliance Challenges: While schools are less involved in regulating NIL, they still need to be aware of potential issues and ensure their athletes are acting ethically and legally.

Potential Legal Challenges and Future Outlook

While this ruling is a significant victory for Ohio student-athletes, it’s likely not the end of the story. The Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA) has indicated it is reviewing the decision and considering its options, which could include an appeal.

Moreover, the ruling could spur legislative action to clarify and refine Ohio’s NIL laws. Other states are closely watching the situation in Ohio, and this decision could influence similar legislation nationwide. The broader trend suggests a growing acceptance of athlete compensation and a re-evaluation of conventional amateurism rules.

Resources for Athletes and Families

Navigating the world of NIL can be complex. Here are some resources to help athletes and their families:

* OHSAA Website: https://ohsaa.org/ (for updates on state regulations)

* NCAA NIL Resources: https://www.ncaa.org/sports/nil (provides general data about NIL)

* Legal Counsel: consulting with an attorney specializing in sports law and contract negotiation is highly recommended.

* Financial Advisors: Seeking guidance from a qualified financial advisor can help athletes manage their earnings responsibly.

Real-World Examples & Case Studies (Pre-Ruling Context – Illustrative)

While direct case studies post-ruling are still developing, examining the college NIL landscape provides insight. For example, University of Alabama quarterback Bryce Young quickly became a highly sought-after endorser, securing deals with brands like Nissan and Dr Pepper